THE GAP BETWEEN LEARNING AND APPLYING DESIGN METHODS

Abstract

Teaching design methods with the result of producing competent designers is a complex challenge. It is important to impart the aims of a design method, which consist of the effects of the design method itself and their role within the design process. Students need to understand these aspects in order to purposefully apply them. Design students should be educated with regard to these requirements to become competent in applying design methods at the university as well in industry. In order to achieve this, the relevant questions must be considered: What problems do students encounter when learning design methods? How are these problems caused? What changes have to be made to design education in order to ensure this competence?